Red Bull junior driver Isack Hadjar described driving Max Verstappen’s RB20 as “amazing” and expressed comfort rather than struggle, despite the car’s reputation for being “tricky.”
Red Bull’s RB20 and Max Verstappen’s Reputation
Max Verstappen’s dominance at Red Bull has solidified his status as a World Champion but also as a “team-mate killer.” Over the years, drivers like Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and now Sergio Perez have struggled to match Verstappen’s pace. Perez’s challenging F1 2024 season, finishing 285 points behind Verstappen, further highlighted how demanding the RB20 can be.
However, Isack Hadjar, Red Bull’s rising star and 2024 Formula 2 runner-up, had the rare chance to drive Verstappen’s RB20 during FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and his reaction was refreshingly positive.
Isack Hadjar: “The RB20 Was Amazing to Drive”
Hadjar’s FP1 outing gave him valuable insight into the car that has helped Verstappen dominate the 2024 F1 season. While many perceive the RB20 as “tricky,” Hadjar shared a different perspective.
“I felt it was amazing to drive, to be honest,” Hadjar told Sky F1. “Every time I jump in an F1 car, it’s really special. These cars are surreal in high-speed corners.”
Hadjar admitted there were areas for improvement in slow-speed corners but emphasized how “comfortable” he felt during long runs, a promising sign for the 19-year-old as he eyes a potential F1 seat.
The Challenge of Switching Between F1 and F2 Cars
Despite his excitement over driving Verstappen’s car, Hadjar highlighted the challenge of transitioning back to his Formula 2 car on the same weekend.
“Yesterday was really tiring, having to go from F2 to F1 to F2 again,” he said. “I gave it my best – a tenth off pole – but it wasn’t enough.”
Hadjar ultimately fell short in the 2024 Formula 2 Championship, finishing 22.5 points behind Gabriel Bortoleto, who secured consecutive F3 and F2 titles.
Isack Hadjar’s Future: Racing Bulls 2025 Seat?
With Sergio Perez’s Red Bull seat under scrutiny and Racing Bulls (AlphaTauri) potentially reshuffling their lineup for 2025, Hadjar remains a promising contender for a full-time F1 seat. His composed performance in Verstappen’s car further boosts his chances.
“I’ll say it was a real privilege to be in his seat, the World Champion’s car, and I hope to be doing that soon,” Hadjar said.
As Red Bull plans its driver lineups for 2025, Isack Hadjar has proven he is ready to rise to the challenge.
Conclusion
Isack Hadjar’s experience in Max Verstappen’s RB20 was far from daunting, with the young driver praising its performance and highlighting his growing confidence. As the Red Bull junior program looks to the future, Hadjar could soon make his mark on the F1 grid.
